The drug safety section in this issue advises clinicians of a recent European review of emergency contraceptives. The relationship between increasing body weight or BMI and efficacy of emergency contraceptives was considered. Concerns have been raised that emergency contraceptives may be less effective as body weight or BMI increases but this review found that the available data are inconclusive. The overall conclusion was that emergency contraceptives are suitable for all women regardless of body weight or body mass index. Readers are reminded that emergency contraceptives should be used as soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to prevent unintended pregnancy and should not be used to replace a regular contraceptive method.

This issue also advises that the learning module on anticoagulants has been launched. Responding to feedback on previous learning modules, this one is reported to be much more interactive.

Action: Clinicians will find this publication to be a useful review of current issues in drug safety.